At times you will need to tread carefully when delivering feedback. Certain situations can quickly become volatile because of the personalities involved, or perhaps they are part of a wider and more passionate debate. Being direct and honest with your feedback doesn't absolve you of the responsibility to be diplomatic and respectful; remember that more eyes are on you as a manager as people expect you to be a role model in the department. I'm going to assume that I don't need to train you how to have a stand-up argument with someone, so instead we'll focus on some elegant and subtle techniques for getting your point across effectively when there's a more senior person and a keg of dynamite in the room with you.